Billy Fitzpatrick is a busy man. President of the Charlton A & P Society, some-time television star (Back Roads TV program) and what’s this? A musician and a chef!?

Innovation and re-creation are the lynch-pins of progress, and the Charlton A & P Society president has led the way through a series of short online videos encouraging people to enter the show competitions and revealing what entertainment the day had on offer.

The all-singing, IT-explaining clips built an engagement which is fun, direct and informative, and while not everyone is online, word-of-mouth is sure to have built a fan base to see Billy in action – live – on the day or sharing his skills sometime in the future. Especially the cake-baking episode where a hand drill and beater replaces a traditional mix master!

“It was a way to help get people interested in the show”, Billy said. “It was fun, it’s a good promo and it’s a starting point for the future.”

Last Saturday’s Charlton Show was certainly blessed by the weather gods with perfect conditions for outdoor entertainment, especially after the previous day of heavy rain and wind. With big crowds in evidence, increased pavilion exhibits and some very positive feedback, by day’s end 2024 was shaping up to be a success story for the hard-working committee.

“We have had some really good comments,” said secretary, Wendy Laffin. “People have been saying what a great show it was.” And that was before the night’s entertainment by band YUASK and the fireworks finale!

Collective Effort
The old adage of “it takes a village. . .” is certainly true if applied to the delivery of an event like the annual show.  From the many sponsors, through to the hands-on helpers, competitors and committee members, it’s the collective effort which brings success. However, Pavilion secretary, Aileen Allan, indicated that more hands-on-deck would be helpful. 

“We really need more stewards,” Aileen said. “While a lot of our current stewards want to keep on going, we really need to think about the future. It would be good to see some of the younger generation stepping up to lend a hand.”

By early afternoon, with all exhibits in place and the Charlton Park convention room filling, members of Cabbaritta CWA Branch were hard at work serving the staple scones and slices to the growing crowd. Branch member, Liz Richardson, said the “girls” had made around 200 scones, 150 small cakes and 200 pieces of mixed slice. Business was brisk throughout the afternoon and Liz said they were still going strong into the early evening – an indication that good country cooking is always appreciated.

Tractor Pull
With the agricultural side of the show to the fore it was attractions such as the tractor pull (supported by Quambatook) which captured the crowd’s interest as machines of varying vintages vied for supremacy. The revving engines, the smoke and the drivers’ determination to get the most out of their machines helped to ramp up the atmosphere, while the “mandatory” comparisons about machinery before the event were also par for the course! A large crowd gathered to spur the competitors on as they strove for their moments of glory.  

Other features such as the sheep dog trials, the virtual reality header (thanks to Natimuk A & P Society), fleeces, and miniature horses and ponies, also kept the grass roots traditions alive.

Sideshow alley entertainments included the dodgem cars rink (sponsored by the Skeeta Grimshaw Motorcycle Club) which was a strong favourite with the kids, along with the Mechanised Bull Ride which proved just how hard it is to stay on a rotating, spinning bovine. Both activities had long queues waiting for access.

The official Show opening was undertaken by Charlton Citizen of the Year, Anne Kenny, and Young Citizen of the Year, Emily Olive. Anne began by congratulating the committee on the celebration of 141st Show before quoting a few items from the headlines from the 1924 Show coverage from the “East Charlton Tribune” as follows: * Record Show * Azure skies and joyous crowds * Magnificent exhibits and splendid sport * Motor cars 4 deep proclaim prosperity * Gate receipts amounted to 178 pounds.

Emily then thanked the committee for the amazing work they do, saying it was a highlight of the year to come along to the Show.

President Billy Fitzpatrick and secretary Wendy Laffin then made an emotional presentation after inviting Shane and Kim Fitzpatrick and sons Cobi and Elliot to come forward for the unveiling of a naming plaque for the Animal and Farm Pavilion in memory of their daughter and sister, Maddi. 

“As a youngster, Maddi’s commitment to the Show first started with her bringing along animals for the pet nursery,” said Wendy. “She graduated to helping out in the sheep and wool area as she got older, and she was always there for when working bees were called.” 

Maddi’s brothers, Cobi and Elliot were then invited to carry the plaque to the stand near the animal pavilion where it was installed.

As the afternoon progressed the lawn area outside the main building filled with family groups as the Miss / Master / Teenager Show Awards were judged and the children were entertained by performer, Mr. Mike and his bubble machine. Food vendors were preparing for a busy time as evening fell and the music of YUASK set the mood for a relaxing wind down from another busy Show Day. The fireworks grand finale filled the night sky with brilliant colour and cascades of glittering light, bringing the 141st Show to a close. 

The accompanying photos add more details to the Show Day coverage.